Dion axes shows to focus on family

Celine Dion has cleared her calendar of all performances, saying she needs to focus on her health, her husband's health and raising their three young children.

The superstar vocalist is cancelling shows that were running up to March 2015, including a tour of Asia planned for later this year and regular shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where she has a residency.

Celine's husband, Rene Angelil, had a cancerous tumour removed in December, and she said in a statement that the struggle with the disease has taken a toll on her family.

Show organisers said the singer also hasn't recovered from an illness that has inflamed her throat muscles and prevented performances in Las Vegas since July 29.